Canada issues travel advisories for these warm weather destinations

Canada has issued travel advisories for several warm-weather destinations.

With cooler fall temperatures this week, people may be thinking about traveling to a hot country.

Autumn is a great time to travel, with fares generally lower, but people may want to check the latest advice before planning a trip.

The federal government maintains a travel advisory and advisory page to help travelers make informed decisions and travel safely outside Canada.

They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travelers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from various sources.

These are the countries with updated travel advisories:

Jamaica

Risks: High levels of violent crime and dengue.

Reasons: Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in major cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay, despite the presence of police to deter criminal activity.

An update on dengue has been added to the Jamaica advisory. Many travel destinations are reporting increasing numbers of dengue cases. Dengue is a risk worldwide in tropical and subtropical climates, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.

Dengue is a disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Some people infected with dengue may not show any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they usually begin four to seven days after the mosquito bite and include sudden high fever, severe headache, nausea and vomiting.

Most people with dengue recover after a few days. In a small percentage of infected people, the disease can progress to severe dengue, which can lead to internal bleeding and organ failure.

Guatemala

Risks: High levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations taking place across the country.

Reasons: Violent crimes, including murders, are common in Guatemala. Due to a lack of resources within the police, arrest and detention rates are quite low.

Most incidents are drug and gang related. They occur throughout the country, including in tourist destinations. Travelers have been attacked when visiting volcanoes and other tourist sites. Rifles and pistols are very common.

Honduras

Risks: Crime and dengue.

Reasons: On August 14, local authorities in the city of La Ceiba declared a state of emergency due to rising crime and violence. Violent crime remains a problem throughout Honduras. The country still has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

Drug trafficking, transnational organized crime and street gang activity are common in certain neighborhoods.

An update on dengue has been added to the Honduras advisory. Many travel destinations are reporting increasing numbers of dengue cases. Dengue is a disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Most people with dengue recover after a few days. In a small percentage of infected people, the disease can progress to severe dengue, which can lead to internal bleeding and organ failure.

Rwanda

Risks: Marburg virus disease outbreak.

Reasons: On September 27, Rwanda’s Ministry of Health reported an outbreak of Marburg virus disease. Cases have been reported in several districts of the country. The majority of the cases and deaths occurred among healthcare workers at two healthcare facilities in Kigali.

Marburg virus disease is caused by a virus spread through contact with infected body fluids from people or animals. Although it is rare, it is very serious and often fatal.

As long as precautions are taken, travelers are at low risk of becoming ill from Marburg virus disease.

Colombia

Risks: High crime rate.

Reasons: Due to crime, local authorities have increased security measures. In the Fagua and Tiquiza neighborhoods of Chia, there is a curfew between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

There has been an increase in deaths due to online dating applications used by criminals to identify and lure foreigners looking to meet people in Colombia. Incidents occur most often in larger cities.

Victims often build virtual relationships and go on multiple dates with the same person, often in public places. Once trust is established, the victim is drugged with scopolamine or another incapacitating drug and robbed and/or kidnapped.

For a full list of advice and further information, please visit the website here.

Main photo of Negril, Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica: Ranteen Dixon

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